“Well, hello, Miss Dunston,” he said. “This is a welcome surprise.”
Louisa returned his warm smile. “How was your visit with your brother?”
Mr. Barker frowned. “It was pleasant enough, I suppose, but he helped me get a better understanding of my predicament. I’m afraid that unless things change quickly, I’ll have to sell. There’s just too much work to be done.”
Louisa pulled the money she had collected from her reticule and handed it to him. “This is for you. I received twenty pounds from the shopkeepers and fifty pounds from the party. I’m sure I can collect significantly more once the Season ends and the wealthier families return. I’ve also had two others pledge funds once you’ve made your decision.”
She did not mention that ten of those pounds came from her own savings.
“Young lady, what you’re doing for me is very kind,” Mr. Barker said as he looked at the money in his hand. “And though this will be helpful, I’m afraid it’s not nearly enough.”
“Not nearly… how much do you need?”
Mr. Barker sighed as he pocketed the money. “There are issues with the back wall. It’s leaking, you see. I haven’t painted anything but settings for more than twenty years. Most of the seats are worn and uncomfortable. And who knows how long it will be before that stage collapses? There are more repairs than I can count, and we’ve not sold enough tickets to cover the expenses for the current production. I’ll need at least six thousand pounds to get the place back into proper working order.”
Louisa nearly choked. Six thousand pounds? Such a number was unfathomable!
His chuckle held little mirth. “I see by your expression that it’s far more than you expected. Even if I were to get the donations I need and make the repairs, interest in the theater will continue to decline. London seems far closer today than it was when I first opened, so anyone interested in entertainment can go there. And most men prefer the pub to a good play.”
Louisa sighed. “You see?” she insisted. “Women have no place to go and sit with their husbands and feel as if they are at least somewhat equal. Nowhere but here. Please, Mr. Barker, give me a chance to save the theater. I’ll do anything to help, just tell me what to do.”
He patted her hand and smiled. “That’s very kind of you, Miss Dunston, but what you’re asking is nearly impossible. I mean no offense, but you’re just a girl. I’m not sure what youcando.”
“I may be considered a girl, Mr. Barker,” Louisa said, holding back the indignation that wanted to burst from her tongue. “But I’m far more than that. I’m someone who never gives up because I don’t lose. So, unless you wish to hand your theater over to a selfish man who has no one’s interest at heart but his own, tell me how I may help.”
Mr. Barker studied her for a moment before replying, “You know, I think I believe you. You want to help, do you? Well, how about this? I’ll give you tickets to sell for our next production, which begins two weeks from this Friday. Perhaps you can ask for donations as well. If by some miracle, you are able to collect enough money by opening night, I’ll do whatever I can to keep the doors open.”
“That is a wonderful idea!” Louisa said. “I’ll start today.”
One of the doors burst open, and Ruth came running down the center aisle.
“He’s here! And I’ve never seen a man so angry!”
ChapterTwenty-One
There stood Miss Dunston beside Mr. Barker. So, the chit was up to her old games, was she? How dare she use her coquettish ways on the poor landlord!
Honor would be restored in Chatsworth this very day if Aaron had anything to do about it!
“Lord Artemus sends his regards,” Aaron snarled.
Miss Dunston swallowed visibly. “Oh well, thank you. You know, I really must go—”
He grabbed her by the arm to force her to turn back toward him and glared down at her. “I’m sure you have a few minutes to spare. After all, I’ve journeyed so far to see you. And we have so much to discuss.”
“I really must get back to the production,” Mr. Barker said, clearly failing to appreciate the spectacle taking place before him. “Sir Aaron, I’ll have time to speak to you momentarily.”
Once the man was out of earshot, Aaron rounded on Miss Dunston. “How dare you send me away as you did! Have you no conscience?”
She gave an angry tug at her arm and pulled away. “I have no conscience? And what about yours? This theater means a great deal to me, and you could not care less!”
“Purchasing this building means a great deal to me, and I need no further interference from you. What must I do to put a stop to your meddling? Do you want money? Is that what it is? I’m sure we can come to a reasonable agreement.”
“Money?” Miss Dunston asked with a sniff. “My father has plenty of money. Far more than you, I’m sure. No, I want nothing that comes from your coffers. What I want is to save this theater, for that is what is best for the village.”
Aaron could not help but laugh at the absurdity of this statement. “I know what’s best for this theater. And for the village.”
“I’ll decide what’s best for the theater,” Mr. Barker said as he approached them, his face dark with anger.